Bodiless bone fusion device, apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A bodiless bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bodiless bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates, one or more extending blocks in communication with the extendable plates, one or more positioning elements for adjusting the extendable plates by manipulating the extending blocks, and one or more support panels for holding the positioning elements and guiding the extendable plates. The plates are able to be advantageously positioned in the confined space between the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (e) of the co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/794,789, filed Mar. 15, 2013, and entitled BODILESS BONE FUSION DEVICE, APPARATUS AND METHOD″ and the co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/858,505, filed Jul. 25, 2013, and entitled BODILESS BONE FUSION DEVICE, APPARATUS AND METHOD,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to bone fusion devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to bodiless devices for fusing vertebrae of the spine or other bones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The spinal column is made up of vertebrae stacked on top of one another. Between the vertebrae are discs which are gel-like cushions that act as shock-absorbers and keep the spine flexible. Injury, disease, or excessive pressure on the discs can cause degenerative disc disease or other disorders where the disc becomes thinner and allows the vertebrae to move closer together or become misaligned. Similarly, vertebrae are able to weaken due to impact or disease reducing their ability to properly distribute forces on the spine. As a result, nerves may become pinched, causing pain that radiates into other parts of the body, or instability of the vertebrae may ensue.

One method for correcting disc and/or vertebrae-related disorders is to insert a fusion cage as a replacement for and/or in between the vertebrae to act as a structural replacement for the deteriorated disc and/or vertebrae. The fusion cage is typically a hollow metal device usually made of titanium. Once inserted, the fusion cage maintains the proper separation between the vertebrae to prevent nerves from being pinched and provides structural stability to the spine. Also, the inside of the cage is filled with bone graft material which eventually fuses permanently with the adjacent vertebrae into a single unit. However, it is difficult to retain this bone graft material in the cage and in the proper positions to stimulate bone growth.

The use of fusion cages for fusion and stabilization of vertebrae in the spine is known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,740 to Ray, et al. entitled, “V-Thread Fusion Cage and Method of Fusing a Bone Joint,” discloses a fusion cage with a threaded outer surface, where the crown of the thread is sharp and cuts into the bone. Perforations are provided in valleys between adjacent turns of the thread. The cage can be screwed into a threaded bore provided in the bone structure at the surgical site and then packed with bone chips which promote fusion.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,247 to Michelson entitled, “Threaded Spinal Implant,” discloses a fusion implant comprising a cylindrical member having a series of threads on the exterior of the cylindrical member for engaging the vertebrae to maintain the implant in place and a plurality of openings in the cylindrical surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,074 to Simpson entitled, “Anterior Lumbar Underbody Fusion Implant and Method For Fusing Adjacent Vertebrae,” discloses a one-piece spinal fusion implant comprising a hollow body having an access passage for insertion of bone graft material into the intervertebral space after the implant has been affixed to adjacent vertebrae. The implant provides a pair of screw-receiving passages that are oppositely inclined relative to a central plane. In one embodiment, the screw-receiving passages enable the head of an orthopaedic screw to be retained entirely within the access passage.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,287 to Bagby entitled, “Self-tapping Interbody Bone Implant,” discloses a bone joining implant with a rigid, implantable base body having an outer surface with at least one bone bed engaging portion configured for engaging between a pair of bone bodies to be joined, wherein at least one spline is provided by the bone bed engaging portion, the spline being constructed and arranged to extend outwardly of the body and having an undercut portion.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,467 to Teitelbaum et al. entitled, “Expandable Fusion Cage,” discloses an expandable fusion cage where the surfaces of the cage have multiple portions cut out of the metal to form sharp barbs. As the cage is expanded, the sharp barbs protrude into the subcortical bone of the vertebrae to secure the cage in place. The cage is filled with bone or bone matrix material.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,550 to Sertich entitled, “Interbody Fusion Cage,” discloses a prosthetic device which includes an inert generally rectangularly shaped support body adapted to be seated on hard end plates of vertebrae. The support body has top and bottom faces. A first peg is movably mounted in a first aperture located in the support body, and the first aperture terminates at one of the top and bottom faces of the support body. Further, the first peg projects away from the one of the top and bottom faces and into an adjacent vertebra to secure the support body in place relative to the vertebra.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,436,140 to Liu et al. entitled, “Expandable Interbody Fusion Cage and Method for Insertion,” discloses an expandable hollow interbody fusion device, wherein the body is divided into a number of branches connected to one another at a fixed end and separated at an expandable end. The expandable cage may be inserted in its substantially cylindrical form and may be expanded by movement of an expansion member to establish lordosis of the spine. An expansion member interacts with the interior surfaces of the device to maintain the cage in the expanded condition and provide a large internal chamber for receiving bone in-growth material. These patents all disclose fusion cage devices that can be inserted between vertebrae of the spine in an invasive surgical procedure. Such an invasive surgical procedure requires a long recovery period.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to a bodiless bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bodiless bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates, one or more extending blocks in communication with the extendable plates, one or more positioning elements for adjusting the extendable plates by manipulating the extending blocks, and one or more support panels for holding the positioning elements and guiding the extendable plates. The bodiless bone fusion device is able to be inserted between or replace the vertebrae by using a minimally invasive procedure. After the device has been positioned between the vertebrae, and the positioning elements are able to be rotated to position the plates. In particular, the plates are able to be positioned by rotating the positioning elements causing extending blocks to move and push outwards against the plates as the extending blocks approach the ends of the bodiless bone fusion device. In some embodiments, a single plate is extended. Thus, the plates are able to be advantageously positioned in the confined space between the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused.

A first aspect is directed to a bodiless bone fusion device for insertion into a desired location. The bodiless bone fusion device comprises an extending mechanism including one or more extending blocks mechanically coupled with a positioning element such that rotation of the positioning element causes the blocks to move with respect to the positioning element and a pair of plates straddling the extending mechanism and mechanically coupled with the extending blocks such that when the extending blocks move with respect to the positioning element, the plates move along a path with respect to each other between a retracted position in which the plates are adjacent to each other to an extended positioned in which the plates are spread apart from each other, wherein the plates are sized such that at least a portion of the perimeter of the plates about the path align with the outermost perimeter of the device about the path. In some embodiments, the plates are sized such that the entirety of the perimeter of the plates about the path align with the outermost perimeter of the device about the path. In some embodiments, the device further comprises one or more biasing elements physically coupled with both of the plates and positioned such that the biasing elements apply a force resisting the movement of the plates from the retracted position to the extended position. In some embodiments, the biasing elements have a shape selected from the group consisting of a ring, a C-shape and a ring-shaped coil. In some embodiments, the extending blocks each comprise an angled surface between a left side and a right side, wherein the left sides of the blocks are aligned with a left face of the plates and the right sides of the blocks are aligned with a right face of the plates. In some embodiments, angled surface forms a continuous sheet between the left and right sides of the blocks in order to increase the surface area of the angled surface. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a locking mechanism coupled with the positioning element and configured to physically bias the rotational orientation of the positioning element into one of a plurality of positions. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises one or more stoppers each having a bump and a dial having one or more dimples and coupled with the positioning element such that the dial rotates with the positioning element, wherein the bumps do not rotate with the dial and the stoppers are positioned adjacent to the dial such that, when aligned, one or more of the bumps spring into one or more of the dimples. In some embodiments, the device further comprises one or more support panels coupled with the locking mechanism and the extending mechanism, wherein each of the support panels are positioned within a panel aperture on each of the plates such that as the plates move between the retracted and the extended positions the plates slide up or down the panels via the panels apertures. In some embodiments, at least one of the support panels comprises a pair of grip tabs that protrude from the sides of the support panel into a pair of grip apertures formed by the plates when the plates are in the retracted position.

A second aspect is directed to a method of implanting a bodiless bone fusion device into a desired location. The method comprises inserting the bodiless bone fusion device in the desired location, wherein the bodiless bone fusion device comprises an extending mechanism including one or more extending blocks mechanically coupled with a positioning element such that rotation of the positioning element causes the blocks to move with respect to the positioning element and a pair of plates straddling the extending mechanism and mechanically coupled with the extending blocks such that when the extending blocks move with respect to the positioning element, the plates move along a path with respect to each other between a retracted position in which the plates are adjacent to each other to an extended positioned in which the plates are spread apart from each other, wherein the plates are sized such that at least a portion of the perimeter of the plates about the path align with the outermost perimeter of the device about the path and moving the plates between the retracted position and the extended position with the extending mechanism. In some embodiments, the plates are sized such that the entirety of the perimeter of the plates about the path align with the outermost perimeter of the device about the path. In some embodiments, the bodiless bone fusion device further comprises one or more biasing elements physically coupled with both of the plates and positioned such that the biasing elements apply a force resisting the movement of the plates from the retracted position to the extended position. In some embodiments, the biasing elements have a shape selected from the group consisting of a ring, a C-shape and a ring-shaped coil. In some embodiments, the extending blocks each comprise an angled surface between a left side and a right side, wherein the left sides of the blocks are aligned with a left face of the plates and the right sides of the blocks are aligned with a right face of the plates. In some embodiments, the angled surface forms a continuous sheet between the left and right sides of the blocks in order to increase the surface area of the angled surface. In some embodiments, the bodiless bone fusion device further comprises a locking mechanism coupled with the positioning element and configured to physically bias the rotational orientation of the positioning element into one of a plurality of positions. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises one or more stoppers each having a bump and a dial having one or more dimples and coupled with the positioning element such that the dial rotates with the positioning element, wherein the bumps do not rotate with the dial and the stoppers are positioned adjacent to the dial such that, when aligned, one or more of the bumps spring into one or more of the dimples. In some embodiments, the bodiless bone fusion device further comprises one or more support panels coupled with the locking mechanism and the extending mechanism, wherein each of the support panels are positioned within a panel aperture on each of the plates such that as the plates move between the retracted and the extended positions the plates slide up or down the panels via the panels apertures. In some embodiments, at least one of the support panels comprises a pair of grip tabs that protrude from the sides of the support panel into a pair of grip apertures formed by the plates when the plates are in the retracted position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a retracted perspective view of a bodiless bone fusion device according to some embodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates an extended perspective view of a bodiless bone fusion device according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of components of the bodiless bone fusion device according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3A illustrates a profile view of the bodiless bone fusion device with the plates retracted according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3B illustrates a profile view of the bodiless bone fusion device with the plates extended according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bodiless bone fusion device having a position locking mechanism according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method of using the bodiless bone fusion device according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of the bodiless bone fusion device having a loop biasing element according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6B illustrates a front view of the bodiless bone fusion device having a C shape biasing element according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6C illustrates a front view of the bodiless bone fusion device having a garter spring biasing element according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side up-close view of a positioning element and stopper according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a close-up view of support panels having retention tips according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9A illustrates a retracted perspective view of a bodiless bone fusion device having stretched extending blocks according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9B illustrates an extended perspective view of a bodiless bone fusion device having stretched extending blocks according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous details and alternatives are set forth for purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention can be practiced without the use of these specific details. For instance, the figures and description below often refer to the vertebral bones of a spinal column. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that some embodiments of the invention are practiced for the fusion of other bones, including broken bones and/or joints. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary detail.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate retracted and extended perspective views, respectively, of a bodiless bone fusion device 100 according to some embodiments. The bodiless bone fusion device 100 is able to be constructed from a high strength biocompatible material, such as titanium, which has the strength to withstand compressive and shear forces in the spine that are generated by a patient's body weight and daily movements. Alternatively, part of all of the bodiless bone fusion device 100 is able to be constructed from one or more of the group consisting of high strength biocompatible material or a polymer such as PEEK, PEKK, and other polymeric materials know to be biocompatible and having sufficient strength. In some embodiments, the materials used to construct the bodiless bone fusion device include using additives, such as carbon fibers for better performance of the materials under various circumstances. The base biocompatible material is often textured or coated with a porous material conducive to the growth of new bone cells on the bodiless bone fusion device 100.

The bodiless bone fusion device 100 is able to have several conduits or holes 120 which permit the bone graft material to be inserted into the device 100 and to contact the vertebral bone before or after the device 100 has been inserted between the vertebrae of the patient. In particular, one or more holes 120 are able to be positioned on the lateral faces of the device 100 through one or both of the plates 102 such that the bone graft material is able to be inserted into the open spaces within the device 100 when the device is in the contracted position. It is understood that although only one conduit 120 on a lateral face is shown in FIG. 1A, any number of conduits 120 on lateral faces or other parts of the device 100 is contemplated. The bone graft material and the surface texturing of the device 100 encourage the growth and fusion of bone from the neighboring vertebrae. The fusion and healing process will result in the bodiless bone fusion device 100 aiding in the bridging of the bone between the two adjacent vertebral bodies of the spine which eventually fuse together during the healing period.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the bodiless bone fusion device 100 comprises one or more extendable plates 102, one or more support panels 104, one or more extending blocks 106, one or more positioning elements 108 and one or more biasing elements 110. The positioning element 108 is rotatably positioned within panel apertures 103 of the support panels 104 and operably coupled with the one or more extending blocks 106. The support panels 104 are slidably positioned within plate apertures 118 of the extendable plates 102 and within a grip channel 114 of the extendable plates 102 when the device 100 is in the retracted position as shown in FIG. 1A. The biasing element 110 is positioned within biasing channels 112 on one or both ends of the extendable plates 102. In some embodiments, one or more of the holes 120, the grip channels 114, the biasing elements 110 and/or biasing channels 112 are able to be omitted. In some embodiments, one or more additional components are able to be added as are well known in the art. Additionally, it is noted that although FIGS. 1A and 1B only show two plates 102, a single positioning element 108, two extending blocks 106, two support panels 104 and two biasing elements 110, any number of plates 102, positioning elements 108, extending blocks 106, support panels 104 and/or biasing elements 110 is contemplated.

The one or more extending blocks 106 each are able to comprise a threaded conduit 122 for operably coupling to the positioning elements 108. In particular, as described below, the positioning elements 108 are able to comprise a plurality of threaded screws having different diameters wherein the threaded conduits 122 of the extending blocks 106 are able to be configured to screw onto or otherwise engage with one of the threaded screws of the positioning elements 108. Alternatively, one or more of the screws are able to have the same diameter. Further, each of the extending blocks 106 are able to comprise angled upper and/or lower outer surfaces for contacting/engaging angled inner surfaces 123 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) of the extending plates 102. Specifically, the angled outer surfaces are able to be configured such that as the blocks 106 move along the positioning element 108 the angles outer surfaces push against the angled inner surfaces 123 causing the plates 102 to move outwards.

The support panels 104 are able to be sized/configured to slidably fit within one or more plate apertures 118 within the extendable plates 102. In some embodiments, one or more of the plate apertures 118 extend completely through the corresponding plate 102. Alternatively, one or more of the plate aperture 118 are able to only extend partially through the corresponding plate 102. When in the retracted position, the top and bottom portions of the support panels 104 are able to be positioned fully within a plate aperture 118 of each of the extendable plates 102 (e.g. such that the edge of the support panels 104 is substantially flush with the surface of the plates 102 if the plate aperture 118 extends through the top of the plate 102). As the plates 102 are extended outward to the extended position, the plates 102 slide up the panels 104, but the panels 104 remain at least partially within the plate apertures 118 even when in the fully extended position. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the top and/or bottom of the panels 104 comprise one or more retention tips 101 that bow out or otherwise protrude out from the top and/or bottom of the panels 104 in order to block or mechanically stop the plates 102 from sliding off the top of the panels 104. For example, the retention tips 101 are able to extend out from the panels 104 and if the plates 102 slide up to the retention tips on the panel 104, the tips 101 provide a biasing force that pushes the plates 102 back down the panels 104 until they no longer contact the retention tips 101. Alternatively, other types of fasteners or stopping mechanisms are able to be used to prevent the plates 102 from sliding of the panels 104 as are well known in the art.

As a result, the panels 104 are able to maintain the alignment of the plates 102 with each other and with the positioning element 108 and extending blocks 106. Also, as described above, the support panels 104 are each able to comprise one of the panel apertures 103 such that the panels 104 are able to receive one end of the positioning element 108. Specifically, the panel apertures 103 are able to be configured to receive a non-threaded portion of an end of the positioning element 108 such that the positioning element 108 is held in place relative to the support panels 104, but allowed to rotate within the panel apertures 103. One or more of the support panels 104 are also able to comprise one or more grip tabs 105 that extend out the sides of the support panels 105. As described below, the grip tabs 105 are configured to fit within the grip channels 114 of the plates 102 and provide a gripping point to an insertion instrument used to insert and otherwise manipulate the device 100. In some embodiments, the grip tabs 105 comprise one or more indentations, conduits and/or fasteners for receiving detachably coupling with an insertion tool. For example, the grip tabs 105 are able to be configured such that they create a profile that matches the profile of the insertion tool such that the tool is able to securely grip the device 100 via the grip tabs 105.

The extendable plates 102 are able to be located on opposite sides of the device 100 and face is opposite directions. Internally, the plates 102 are able to have one or more angled inner surfaces 123 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) that have end thicknesses that are larger than their middle thicknesses such that the thickness of the angled surfaces 123 gradually increases while going from the middle to the ends of the plate 102. Alternatively, the angled inner surfaces 123 are able to be configured such that they have end thicknesses that are smaller than their middle thicknesses such that the thickness of the angled surfaces 123 gradually decreases while going from the middle to the ends of the plate 102. In either configuration, the angles surfaces 123 are able to interact with the extending blocks 106 to cause the plates 102 to retract or extend between the retracted and extended positions. As described above, the plates 102 each comprise one or more plate apertures 118 that are sized to slidably receive the top or bottom of the support panels 104. As a result, the panels 104 are able to keep the plates 102 in alignment with each other as the plate 102 slide up and down along the support panels 104. Additionally, in some embodiments the panels 104 are able to be shaped similar to the grip tabs 105 and/or other shapes such that the panels 104 are able to both support the plates 102 as well as enable the plates 102 to slide along the panels 104.

As also described above, the plates 102 each able to comprise the one or more biasing channels 112. In particular, the biasing channels 112 are able to be configured such that when the device 100 is in the retracted position the biasing channels 112 of the plates 102 align to form a continuous channel that crosses between the plates 102. In some embodiments, the biasing channels 112 are able to align at two or more positions between the plates 102 to form a continuous loop or other shape that crosses multiple times between the plates 102. In some embodiments, the biasing channels 112 include a lip guard 111 that holds the biasing elements 110 within the biasing channels 112. Alternatively, the biasing channels 112 are able to comprise coupling elements (not shown) that enable the biasing elements 110 to directly couple to the biasing channels 112 in order to stay within the channels 112. Although as shown in FIG. 2 the lip guard 111 is substantially straight forming a square-like channel 112, it is contemplated that the guard 111 is able to be angled, rounded, indented or otherwise shaped such that the guard 111 is able to retain the biasing elements 110 within the biasing channels 112. Further, the biasing channels 112 are able to each include one or more portions that are nonparallel to the direction in which the plates 102 are able to be extended in order to fit a biasing element 110 that provides resistence to the extension of and biases the plates 102 in the retracted position. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B the biasing channels 112 form a C shape. Alternatively, the biasing channels 112 are able to form a loop (see FIGS. 6A-6C), snake or other shapes having nonparallel portions as are well known in the art. Alternatively, the biasing channels 112 are able to be entirely parallel but be coupled to the biasing element 110 such that a nonparallel portion is unnecessary to provide the force resisting extension of the plates 102. In some embodiments, the biasing channels 112 are positioned on the ends of the plates 102 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Alternatively, one or more of the biasing channels 112 are able to be positioned on another lateral face or faces of the plates 102.

Additionally, the plates 102 are able to have serrated edges or teeth 136 to further increase the bodiless bone fusion device's gripping ability and therefore ability to be secured in place between the bones for both a long-term purchase and a short-term purchase. In some embodiments, the serrated edges or teeth 136 are able to be in a triangular or form a triangular wave formation as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the serrated edges or teeth are able to be filleted, chamfered, or comprise other teeth shapes or edge waves as are well known in the art. As described above, the plates 102 are able to comprise the grip channels 114 positioned on opposite sides of one or more ends of the plates 102. The grip channels 114 are able to be configured such that when the device 100 is in the retracted position the grip channels 114 of the plates 102 align and are partially filled by grip tabs 105 of the support panels 105. The remainder of the grip channels 114 is able to be configured to receive gripping fingers of an insertion instrument (not shown). In particular, the grip channels 114 enable the insertion instrument to grip the grip tabs 105 of one of the support panels 104 to manipulate the device 100 and to prevent the device 100 from slipping or during insertion into a patient. Alternatively, the grip tabs 105 are able to comprise one or more screw holes or other types of fasteners for fastening to an insertion instrument as are well known in the art.

Finally, the plates 102 are able to be configured such that when in the retracted position the extendable plates 102 house or surround the remainder of the components of the device 100. As a result, the bodiless bone fusion device 100 provides the advantage of maximizing the plate size to device size ratio because the size of the plates 102 is equal to the size of the device 100 in the retracted position creating a 1 to 1 ratio. This enables the device 100 to incorporate larger plates 102 that increase stability and surface area, which would not be possible with devices that incorporate a body. Additionally, it should be noted that one or more of the plates 102 are able to be non-flat, non-parallel to each other, or otherwise non-uniform. For example, one or more of the plates 102 are able to be partially or fully concave, convex and/or angled. Further, in some embodiments one or more of the plates 102 are able to be adjustable or interchangeable such that they enable adjustments to their surface/body shape.

The positioning element 108 is able to comprise a positioning aperture 109, a first screw 107A and a second screw 107B coupled together (see FIG. 2). The positioning aperture 109 is configured to receive a drive/engaging mechanism of a tool (not shown) such that the tool is able to rotate the positioning element 108. The positioning aperture 109 is able to comprise numerous shapes and sizes as are well known in the art. Alternatively, the positioning aperture 109 is able to be omitted and/or the end of the positioning element 108 is able to be shaped to fit within the drive/engaging mechanism of the tool. The first screw 107A is threaded opposite of the second screw 107B. For example, if the first screw 107A is left threaded, the second screw 107B is right threaded or vice versa. Furthermore, the first screw 107A is of a slightly different size than the second screw 107B. As described above, the positioning element 108 is able to be operably coupled to one or more of the extending blocks 106. For example, a first one of the extending blocks 106 is able to be threaded onto the first screw 107A and a second one of the extending blocks 106 is able to be threaded on to the second screw 107B.

When coupled to the positioning element 108, the extending blocks 102 are able to be positioned in the middle of the bodiless bone fusion device 100 in the retracted position. When the positioning element 108 is turned appropriately, the extending blocks 106 each travel outwardly on their respective screws 107A and 107B. As the extending blocks 106 travel outwardly, they push the angles surfaces 123 of the plates 102 causing the plates 102 to extend outward along the support panels 104. In other words, the inner plate surface 123 when in contact with the extending blocks 106 act in such a manner so as to push the respective plates 102 apart. Thus, the plates 102 will be fully extended when the extending blocks 106 reach the opposite ends of the screws 107A, 107B. To retract the plates 102, the positioning device 108 is turned in the opposite direction and the extending blocks 106 will each travel back to the middle on their respective screws 107A and 107B. It is contemplated that the operation of the device 100 is able to be reversed such that the plates 102, extending blocks 106, and positioning element 108 are configured such that the extending blocks 106 travel inwardly to extend the plates 102 into the extended position and travel outwardly to retract the plates 102 into the compact position. In any case, the nonextended plates 102 of the bodiless bone fusion device 100 provide a compact assembly that is suitable for insertion into the patient's body through a open, or minimally invasive surgical procedure. As used herein, an open or a minimally invasive procedure comprises a procedure wherein a smaller surgical incision is employed as compared to the size of the incision required for conventional invasive surgery, for example arthroscopic procedures. Moreover, minimally invasive procedures minimize or eliminate the need for excessive retraction of a patient's tissues such as muscles and nerves, thereby minimizing trauma and injury to the muscles and nerves and further reducing the patient's recovery time.

The biasing elements 110 are able to be configured to fit within the biasing channels 112 of two or more plates 102 when the plates 102 are in alignment. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 6B, one or more of the biasing elements 110 are able to shaped in a C shape or broken loop shape. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6A, one or more of the biasing elements 110 are able to have a circular, oval or loop shape. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6C, one or more of the biasing elements 110 are able to have a garter spring shape or any other type of shape formed by the biasing channels 112. Further, the biasing element 110 are able to be shaped to fit behind the lip guard 111 such that the lip guard 111 holds the biasing element 110 in place within the biasing channels 112. Alternatively, the biasing element 110 is able to directly couple to the plates 102 in order to stay within the biasing channels 112. In some embodiments, the biasing elements 110 are able to be structured and/or positioned such that their body blocks the extension of the plates 102 and thus the extension of the plates 102 causes deformation and/or stretching of the body of the biasing elements 110. As a result, the body deformation and/or stretching resistence of the biasing elements 100 provides an extension-resisting force that biases the plates 102 in the retracted position. This biasing provides the advantage of ensuring that the plates 102 remain in contact with extending blocks 106 as the plates 102 are extended and/or retracted. In some embodiments, one or more of the biasing elements 110 comprise nitinol to provide the deformation resistant and/or flexible structure. Alternatively, the biasing elements 110 are able to comprise other material having deformation resistant, springing and/or elastic properties as are well known in the art.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of components of the bodiless bone fusion device 100 according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2 and described above, the positioning element 108 is able to comprise a first screw 107A and a second screw 107B wherein the first screw 107A is threaded differently than that of the second screw 107B and is a different size than the second screw 107B. For example, in some embodiments the first screw 107A is an 8-32 screw and the second screw is a 6-32 screw. A first extending block 106A and a second extending block 106B are utilized with the positioning element 108 to extend and retract one or more of the plates 107A with respect to each other and/or the positioning element 108. The first extending block 106A has an internal opening and threading to fit around the first screw 107A. The second extending block 106B has an internal opening and threading to fit around the second screw 107B. The support panels 104 are coupled with the positioning element 108 via the plate apertures 118 of the plates 102. Specifically, because the plate apertures 118 receive the ends of the support panels 104, they prevent the panel apertures 103 of the support panels 104 from moving axially with respect to the positioning element 108 thereby keeping the ends of the positioning element 108 within the panel apertures 103. Further, the plates 102 are each coupled with each other via the support panels 104 that maintain the alignment of the plates 102 and the biasing elements 110 that hold the plates 102 onto the support panels 104.

FIG. 3A illustrates a profile view of the bodiless bone fusion device 100 with the plates 102 retracted according to some embodiments. When the extending blocks 106 are positioned in the middle of the positioning element 108 with the first screw 107A and the second screw 107B, the plates 102 are positioned adjacent and/or in contact with each other. FIG. 3B illustrates a profile view of the bodiless bone fusion device 100 with the plates 102 extended according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3A, the bodiless bone fusion device 100 is compressed/retracted when the extending blocks 106 are in the middle of the bodiless bone fusion device 100. As a user rotates the positioning element 108 via the positioning aperture 109, the extending blocks 106 gradually move outward from the middle. If the user turns the positioning element 108 in the opposite direction, the extending blocks move back towards the middle. As the extending blocks 106 are moving outward, the extending blocks 106A, 106B push on inner angles surfaces 123 of the plates 102. The plates 102 extend because the extending blocks 106 exert force against the angled inner surfaces 123 of the plates 102 outwardly as shown by the arrows 140. When the extending blocks 106 are positioned near the ends of the bodiless bone fusion device 100, the plates 102 extend beyond the outer edges of the ends of the support panels 104 of the bodiless bone fusion device 100 and ultimately secure the bodiless bone fusion device 100 between two bones.

In operation, the bodiless bone fusion device 100 is initially configured in a compact position such that the extending blocks 106A, 106B are located in the middle of the bodiless bone fusion device 100 thereby allowing the plates 102 to contact each other and/or the edges of the ends of the support panels 104 to be substantially flush with the outer surfaces of the plates 102 through the plate apertures 118. The compact bodiless bone fusion device 100 is then inserted into position within the patient and surgeon is able to expand the bodiless bone fusion device 100 by rotating the positioning element 108 which moves the extending blocks 106A, 106B towards the opposing ends of the bodiless bone fusion device 100—one near the head of the positioning element 108 and the other towards the tail of the positioning element 108. As the extending blocks 106A, 106B move away from the middle, the plates 102 are pushed outwardly from the pressure of the extending blocks 106A, 106B against the angled inner surfaces 123.

Eventually the extending blocks 106A, 106B exert a satisfactory force between the extended plates 102 and the bones to be fused. At that point the bodiless bone fusion device 100 is able to remain in place. If the plates 102 are extended too far, the surgeon is able to rotate the positioning element 108 in the opposite direction moving the extending blocks 106A, 106B back towards the middle. At the same time, the biasing elements 110 exert a retraction force in the opposite direction of the force 140 that ensures the plates 102 retract as the extending blocks 106A, 106B move back towards the middle of the device 100. In particular, the retraction force is able to be applied to the plates 102 by biasing elements 110 throughout operation of the device 100 in order to both keep the plates 102 from sliding off the support panels 104 and keep the plates 102 in contact with the extending blocks 106 as the blocks 106 move along the positioning element 108. Thereafter, material for fusing the bones together is inserted through the holes and openings 120 within the bodiless bone fusion device 100. Alternatively, the insertion of the material for fusing the bones together is able to be omitted.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bodiless bone fusion device 400 having a position locking mechanism 402 according to some embodiments. The bodiless bone fusion device 400 shown in FIG. 4 is substantially similar to the bodiless bone fusion device 100 except for the differences described herein. It is noted that the plates 102 of the bone fusion device 400 have been omitted from FIG. 4 for the sake of clarity. As shown in FIG. 4, at least one of the support panels 104 comprises one or more additional panel apertures 99 configured to receive a position locking mechanism 402, wherein the position locking mechanism 402 comprises one or more dials 404 and one or more stoppers 406. The dial 404 is configured to rotatably fit within the panel apertures 99 and comprises a dial aperture 412 and one or more dimples 410 along the edge or perimeter of the dial 202. The dial aperture 412 is able to be sized or otherwise configured to receive an end of the positioning element 108 such that if the positioning element 108 is within the dial aperture 412, the end of the positioning element 108 will cause the dial 404 to rotate along with the positioning element 108. In some embodiments, the positioning element 108 causes the dial 404 to rotate by directly physically contacting the dial aperture 412.

Alternatively, the positioning element 108 is able to cause the dial 404 to rotate via indirect contact. The one or more dimples 410 are able to be configured to receive one or more bumps 408 of the stoppers 406. In particular, the dimples 410 are able to have concave dimensions that substantially match convex dimensions of the bumps 408. The stoppers 406 are able to be configured to fit within the panel apertures 99 adjacent to the dial 404 and comprise one or more bumps 408. The stoppers 406, dials 404 and apertures 99 are configured such that when within the apertures 99, the stoppers 406 are adjacent or in contact with the dial 404 and the bumps 408 of the stoppers 406 snap or spring fit within the dimples 410 of the dial 404 when a dimple 410 and a bump 408 are aligned. Additionally, when a dimple 410 and a bump 408 are not aligned, the bump 408 is compressed against the dimple-less edge of the dial 404 and primed to spring or decompress into a dimple 410 when alignment is achieved.

In some embodiments, the dial 404 is held in place within the additional panel apertures 99 by force applied by the bumps 408 of the stoppers 406. For example, in some embodiments the dimples 410 are able to be concave and centered along the perimeter of the dial 404 such that when the bumps 408 are within the dimples 410 the outer walls of the concavity of the dimples 410 prevents the dial 404 and/or the stoppers 406 from falling out of place. As another example, as shown in FIG. 7 the dial 404 is able to be omitted or incorporated into the positioning element 108, wherein the perimeter of the positioning element 108 that is adjacent the stoppers 406 forms a trough or channel 401 that receives the stoppers 406 such that the positioning element 108 is unable to come out of position with respect to the stoppers 406. In such embodiments, the bottom of the trough is able to comprise the dimples 410 for receiving the bumps 408 of the stoppers 406. Alternatively, the dial 404 is able to be otherwise coupled or uncoupled within the apertures 99 by one or more fastening elements as are well known in the art.

In some embodiments, the stoppers 406 are held in place within the additional panel apertures 99 by place holders 407. In particular, the place holders 407 are able to be tensioned and/or compressed by the wall of the apertures 99 when the stoppers 406 are inserted into the apertures 99 and thus provide a spring force against the walls of the apertures 99 to try and relieve that tensioning/compression. Accordingly, the spring force holds the stoppers 406 within the apertures 99. Alternatively, one or more of the stoppers 406 are able to be otherwise coupled or uncoupled within the apertures 99 by one or more fastening elements as are well known in the art. Although as shown in FIG. 4, the device 400 comprises one of the panels 104 including the position locking mechanism 402, wherein the position locking mechanism 402 comprises a single dial 404 having sixteen dimples 410 and two stoppers 406, it is understood that any number of the panels 104 are able to include a position locking mechanism 402 and the position locking mechanism is able to include any number of dials 404 having any number of dimples 410 coupled to any number of stoppers 406. In some embodiments, the additional panel apertures 99 are able to replace the panel aperture 103 and/or the dial aperture 410 is able to be substantially similar to the panel aperture 103 in size and shape.

In operation, as the positioning element 108 is rotated to extend or retract the plates 102, the dial 404 is rotated along with the positioning element 108 and the bumps 408 compress and decompress into and out of the dimples 410 as they move in an out of alignment with the bumps 408. As a result, each point during the rotation of the positioning element 108 that results in an alignment of a bump 408 and a dimple 410 serves as a demarcated degree of rotation and/or degree of extension/retraction of the plates 102. In this way, the position locking mechanism 402 provides the advantage of enabling a user to rotate the positioning element 108 and thereby extend the plates 102 to predetermined rotation/extension amounts and/or by predetermined rotation/extension intervals represented by the spacing and number of dimple 410 and bump 408 alignment points. For example, the position and/or number of dimples 410 and/or bumps 408 of the position locking mechanism 402 is able to be adjusted to adjust the number and/or position of the alignment points and therefore the number and/or position of plate extension points. Thus, the position locking mechanism 402 of the bodiless bone fusion device 400 is able to be tuned to different size devices 400 based on the number of extension increments needed and the desired extension distance interval between each of the increments. In some embodiments, the increments are configured to be constant. Alternatively, the increments are able to be configured to decrease in size as the plates 102 approach the maximum extension level. Alternatively, other increment profiles are able to be used as are well known in the art. Further, the compression of the bumps 408 and their resistance thereto during rotation of the positioning element 108 between alignment points provides a slipping resistance force the resists unintended rotation of the positioning element 108 out of an alignment point. As a result, the position locking mechanism 402 provides the advantage of reducing the chance of the positioning element 108 unintentionally rotating and/or the plates 102 unintentionally extending or retracting.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method of using a bodiless bone fusion device according to some embodiments. A user pre-configures the one or more plates 102 of the bodiless bone fusion device to the retracted position with the positioning element 108 and the one or more extending blocks 106 such that the device has a minimized form factor at the step 502. The user inserts the bodiless bone fusion device into a desired position in between the bones at the step 504. The user extends the plates 102 to a desired extension level between the bones by rotating the positioning element 108 causing the extending blocks 106 to push the plates 102 outward to the desired extension level at the step 506. In some embodiments, the rotating of the positioning element 108 comprises rotating the positioning element 108 through a number of alignment points of the position locking mechanism 402 until a desired alignment point is reached. As a result, the method is able to provide the benefits of a minimally invasive surgery due to the minimized form factor of the bodiless bone fusion device in the retracted position and a more accurate and stable extension point due to the position locking mechanism.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a retracted perspective view and an extended perspective view of a bodiless bone fusion device 900 having stretched or expanded extending blocks according to some embodiments. The bodiless bone fusion device 900 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B is substantially similar to the bodiless bone fusion device 100 except for the differences described herein. Specifically, the sides 902 of the extending blocks 106 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B extend such that the sides 902 substantially align with the outer surface of the device 900. As a result, the extending blocks 106 span the entire width of the plates 102 which creates greater surface area for the blocks 106 to contact the plates 102 as well as greater stability in the extended position as a wider portion of the plates 102 is directly contacted/supported by the blocks 106. In such embodiments, the skirt or sides 904 of the plates 102 are able to comprise a block cavity 906 configured to receive the sides 902 of the blocks 106 when the device 900 is in the retracted position. Although as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, both sides 902 of both blocks 106 are expanded to align with the exterior surface of the sides 904 of the plates 102, one or more of the sides 902 of one or more of the blocks 106 are able to not be expanded and/or be expanded less. For example, one of the sides 902 of one of the blocks 106 is able to extend part way into the cavity 906 on one of the sides 904 of the plates 102.

Thus, the bodiless bone fusion device, apparatus and method described herein has numerous advantages. Specifically, the bodiless bone fusion device provides the advantage of maximizing the plate size to device size ratio because the size of the plates is equal to the size of the device in the retracted position creating a 1 to 1 ratio. This enables the device to incorporate larger plates that increase stability and surface area, which would not be possible with devices that incorporate a body. Also, the device provides the advantage of the grip channels that ensure the non-slippage of the driving mechanism during the operation of the bone fusion apparatus. Further, the position locking mechanism provides the advantage of reducing the chance of the positioning element unintentionally rotating and/or the plates unintentionally extending or retracting. Also, as mentioned above, the method of use requires only a small incision and minimally invasive surgical procedure advantageously promoting health and rapid recovery by the patient. Indeed, bone growth occurs around the bodiless bone fusion device and particularly at the locations of the extended plates, such that the bodiless bone fusion device is further secured by the bone growth, which further promotes a superior, robust bone fusion result. Moreover, the device provides the advantage of extending blocks that span the entire width of the plates thereby creating greater surface area for the blocks to contact the plates as well as providing greater stability in the extended position as a wider portion of the plates is directly contacted/supported by the blocks.

The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modification may be made in the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it should be noted that although the above bodiless bone fusion devices are described in reference to a pair of extending blocks, a pair of screws, and wherein each plate is shaped such that the ends are larger than the middle, and the size of the plate gradually increases while going from the middle to the ends, the use of a single extending block in the above embodiments is contemplated. Specifically, if using a single extending block, the above embodiments would operate the same except the positioning element would comprise a single screw that when engaged would cause the single extending block to move from one end of the screw to the other end thereby exerting a force against the plates such that they move into the extended position. In such embodiments, each plate is shaped such that one end is larger than the opposite end, and the size of the plate gradually increases going from the smaller end to the larger end. 

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A method of implanting a bodiless bone fusion device into a desired location, the method comprising: inserting the bodiless bone fusion device in the desired location, wherein the bodiless bone fusion device comprises: an extending mechanism including a plurality of extending blocks all mechanically coupled with a single body of a positioning element such that rotation of the positioning element causes the plurality of extending blocks to move with respect to the positioning element; a first plate having a first body; and a second plate having a second body separate and distinct from the first body, the first and second plates straddling the extending mechanism and mechanically coupled with the plurality of extending blocks such that when the plurality of extending blocks move with respect to the positioning element, the plates move along a path with respect to each other between a retracted position in which the plates are adjacent to each other and an extended position in which the plates are spread apart from and do not directly contact each other, wherein the plates are sized such that at least a portion of a perimeter of the plates about the path align with an outermost perimeter of the device about the path, wherein the extending blocks move away from each other to opposite ends of the single body of the positioning element when causing the plates to move to the extended position, and further wherein the extending blocks directly contact and support opposite ends of both of the plates when in the extended position; and moving the plates between the retracted position and the extended position with the extending mechanism.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the plates are sized such that the entirety of the perimeter of the plates about the path align with the outermost perimeter of the device about the path.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the bodiless bone fusion device further comprises one or more biasing elements physically coupled with both of the plates and positioned such that in the extended position the one or more biasing elements extend from the first plate to the second plate through a gap between the plates, and further wherein the one or more biasing elements apply a force resisting the movement of the plates from the retracted position to the extended position.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more biasing elements have a shape selected from the group consisting of a ring, a C-shape and a ring-shaped coil.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of extending blocks each comprise an angled surface between a left side and a right side, wherein the left sides of the plurality of extending blocks are aligned with a left face of the plates and the right sides of the plurality of extending blocks are aligned with a right face of the plates.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the angled surface forms a continuous sheet between the left and right sides of the plurality of extending blocks in order to increase the surface area of the angled surface.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the bodiless bone fusion device further comprises a locking mechanism coupled with the positioning element and configured to physically bias the rotational orientation of the positioning element into one of a plurality of positions.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the locking mechanism comprises one or more stoppers each having a bump and a dial having one or more dimples and coupled with the positioning element such that the dial rotates with the positioning element, wherein the bumps do not rotate with the dial and the stoppers are positioned adjacent to the dial such that, when aligned, one or more of the bumps spring into one or more of the dimples.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the bodiless bone fusion device further comprises one or more support panels coupled with the locking mechanism and the extending mechanism, wherein each of the support panels are positioned within a panel aperture on each of the plates such that as the plates move between the retracted and the extended positions the plates slide up or down the panels via the panels apertures.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein at least one of the support panels comprises a pair of grip tabs that protrude from the sides of the support panel into a pair of grip apertures formed by the plates when the plates are in the retracted position.
 21. A method of implanting a bodiless bone fusion device into a desired location, the method comprising: inserting the bodiless bone fusion device in the desired location, wherein the bodiless bone fusion device comprises: an extending mechanism including a plurality of extending blocks all mechanically coupled with a single body of a positioning element such that rotation of the positioning element causes the plurality of extending blocks to move with respect to the positioning element; a first plate having a first body; a second plate having a second body separate and distinct from the first body, the first and second plates straddling the extending mechanism and mechanically coupled with the plurality of extending blocks such that when the plurality of extending blocks move with respect to the positioning element, the plates move along a path with respect to each other between a retracted position in which the plates are adjacent to each other and an extended position; and one or more biasing elements physically coupled with the first plate and the second plate and positioned such that in the extended position the biasing elements extend from the first plate to the second plate through a gap between the first plate and the second plate, and further wherein the one or more biasing elements apply a force resisting the movement of the plates from the retracted position to the extended position; and moving the plates between the retracted position and the extended position with the extending mechanism.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein when in the extended position, the plates are spread apart from and do not directly contact each other.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the one or more biasing elements have a shape selected from the group consisting of a ring, a C-shape and a ring-shaped coil.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the plates are sized such that the entirety of the perimeter of the plates about the path align with the outermost perimeter of the device about the path.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein the bodiless bone fusion device further comprises one or more support panels coupled with the extending mechanism, wherein each of the support panels are positioned within a panel aperture on each of the plates such that as the plates move between the retracted and the extended positions the plates slide up or down the panels via the panels apertures.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein at least one of the support panels comprises a pair of grip tabs that protrude from the sides of the support panel into a pair of grip apertures formed by the plates when the plates are in the retracted position. 